Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Human Rights Bill 2026; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Monday 25 May 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate concerned the introduction of a federal human rights act to establish a comprehensive national guarantee of rights for Australians. Independent members Andrew Wilkie and Helen Haines argued that Australia is the only liberal democracy lacking such a framework and that existing protections are insufficient. They cited recommendations from the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights to support the legislation. The speakers highlighted various areas where rights were currently under threat, including refugee detention, welfare administration, and systemic racism against First Nations people. Both members urged the parliament to pass the bill to align Australia with international obligations and improve democratic standards.

Outcome

The transcript does not state the final result of the vote.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Andrew Wilkie (Clark) (Independent) Ind

Wilkie moved the motion for the second reading of the bill, arguing that Australia urgently needed a national human rights guarantee. Wilkie noted that previous attempts to introduce similar legislation in 2017 and 2019 had been rejected by major parties. Wilkie referenced the 2024 report by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights and the discussion paper by the Australian Human Rights Commission as key foundations for the bill. Wilkie criticised the government for ignoring these recommendations and highlighted ongoing issues such as indefinite detention of asylum seekers, exploitation of temporary workers, and punitive laws affecting children. Wilkie stated that the bill would give domestic effect to international treaties and invalidate inconsistent Commonwealth, state, or territory laws.